Calendar: January 2008
Can an older black woman, set in her ways in a time of segregation, cope with the foreign world of the social change of the ’60s? A musical by Tony Kushner.
Archive for January, 2008
DVD Shorts: January 2008
‘The Simpsons Movie: The Music’
Simpsons fans and philes will enjoy this collection of works from Hans Zimmer, the deft composer responsible (with Danny Elfman) of the long running Fox series’ recognizable themes. Almost all of the 15 selections here (available in limited edition, deliciously encased in a plastic donut) are orchestral instrumentals providing background and mood for the film. However, the electronica-flavored “Reckessly Impulsive” bonus track, with its “D’oh” refrain, just might find its way to a late-night alternative dance floor. Twentieth Century Fox (www.simpsonsmovie.com/soundtrack). — Nancy Ford
DVD: Animated Family Values
In 1992, President George Bush (the first one) told a gathering of the National Religious Broadcasters, “We need a nation closer to the Waltons than the Simpsons.”
AIDS Watch: Back to Basics
At the time of this writing, The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) are considering when to release new statistics that will show a significant increase in the estimated numbers of new HIV infections occurring in our country each year. The folks at the CDC don’t want to release the new information until it can be subjected to intense scientific review for purposes of verification. Once all that happens and the new statistics are released, we will likely see that the estimated numbers of new infections will jump—by 50 percent!
OutRight: Thanking Frank
On November 7, the House of Representatives passed the Employment Non-Discrimination Act (ENDA). The vote was 235-184, with 35 Republicans in favor and 25 Democrats against. It’s the first time either house of Congress has ever passed a gay civil-rights bill. There are many people to thank for this accomplishment.
LeftOut: The New Warriors: A Second Look
EDITOR’S NOTE: The original January “LeftOut” column written by Wayne Besen incorrectly asserted that the ManKind Project is connected to or supports organizations that advocate so-called ex-gay or reparative therapy, which purports to be able to change men’s sexual orientation. The publication of the column resulted in a strong response objecting to the false assertions about the ManKind project’s ex-gay affiliations. Following conversations with leaders of the ManKind Project, Besen decided that he reached “the wrong conclusion” regarding the ManKind Project, as he stated in a telephone conversation with OutSmart. On January 10, Besen provided a revised, corrected column, which is published below. (Besen’s original column follows). The revised column on the ManKind Project will appear in the February OutSmart along with several letters to the editor from individuals involved in the ManKind Project. OutSmart deeply regrets the error, and hopes to set the record straight on the ManKind Project’s worthy endeavors and gay-supportive atmosphere.
InsideOut At City Hall: The Other Parent Trap
I have no doubt that children are best off being reared in two-parent, opposite-sex households than in any other parenting configuration.
OutLoud: Down Time
Seagulls scanned the morning surf. Wifey and I waited for our breakfast menus and took in the view, mesmerized by the crashing waves. We were both a little loopy from our all-morning romp in the deluxe accommodations at this beachfront resort.
What A World: Picture It
Last month, hordes of people attended a reception at Montrose Counseling Center honoring Dalton DeHart, Houston’s Number One photographer of all things gay for the past 30 years. That night the center (which serendipitously enough is recognizing its own 30-year anniversary this year) displayed dozens of albums containing literally thousands of Dalton’s images chronicling our illustrious history.
News Briefs: January 2008
Two candidates endorsed by the Houston GLBT Political Caucus political-action committee won their bids for City Council seats in a December 8 runoff election.
